Ancient Grains Archive

Three Short Stories

Altar

The man she loves/loved/will love is about to be married. While she was busy time-traveling--Saving the world from crisis!--he could not wait the two minutes it would take her to get back to his era to re/acquaint him with her. But why should he stop courting one plain, ...Read More

Keys That Open and Illumine

1. A Kate is a key In March, I learned that my name was used as slang for “skeleton key” by thieves in the early eighteen hundreds. I had been reading a crime novel about New York where the detectives referred to Jenny, a minor character, as “a kate.” I hastened to A ...Read More

Little-Known Facts About The Harlem Renaissance

"Renaissance" literally means "to naiss again, despite medical advice." It refers specifically to the rebirth of learning that began in Harlem, New York in the fourteenth century and spread to the north, including The Bronx and Yonkers, by the sixteenth century. During this period, there was an enormous renewal of interest in ...Read More

Your Most Beloved Fantasy Novel

We can talk about classy science/speculative fiction all day, but sometimes you just want dragons and helpful badgers. ...Read More

Link Roundup

Everyone is on vacation this week or covering for their boss who is on vacation this week, so being chatty Cathys for a few days suits us just fine. Here's some stuff you could read: Bless this Regency gentleman and his good nature. ...Read More

Astrologically Inscrutable Couples

Astrologically Incompatible Couples That Seem Like They’re Doing Fine:

Jay Z (Sagittarius), Beyoncé (Virgo)

Bill Gates (Scorpio), Melinda Gates (Leo)

Barack Obama (Leo), Michelle Obama (Capricorn)

Danny DeVito (Scorpio), Rhea Perlman (Aries)

Dan Savage (Libra), Terry Miller (Pisces)

Maury Povich (Capricorn), Connie Chung (Leo)

Aishwarya Rai (Scorpio), Abhishek Bacchan (Aquarius)

Bill Clinton ...Read More

Eight of the Most Common Investment Mistakes

8. Turning into a possum and hiding underneath a construction site until you die of dehydration. 7. Looking at a dog, getting too distracted by the dog's eyes (they look so human!) to update your portfolio. 6. Buying stocks that do not actually exist in your dreams, then running onto the exchange floor just ...Read More

Taking Street Harassment Home With You!

Wait, that sounds terrible. Obviously, we mean you can now purchase Daniel Mallory Ortberg and Matt Lubchansky's comic masterpiece for the low price of $20. Give one to a friend! Give one to someone who harasses you on the street! The Toast does not endorse giving presents to ...Read More